I am planning to travel to USA on 26 Aug. 2017. So, I started seeking out other opportunities. This time being a re-entry on the same visa, will I need the original or photocopy of I797? My wife was in US now. I am aware of some documents below she will need to carry with her to support her admission at port of entry 1. Hi I came to India In Sep 2016 due to my wife surgery and delayed my travel due to her health condition and planned to travel in Feb 11th via Abu dabhi.Is there any problem in port of entry will they ask this timeline.My Visa is valid till July 2017. However, if the family members are in an independent status (e.g., F-1, O-1), they can remain in that status as long as it is valid. Also my employer in i797 is different from what is on visa. Need some information , I got US VISA stamped on Oct 2015 and i got VISA for 3 years till Sept 2018 . Pictures of you and your spouse signing the marriage certificate. You can also open a bank account and apply for loans. Option 2: Fly out of the US to Mexico or Canada and return 4. Can I use a copy ? , No it wont , h1b transfer exempt from cap. Most H type visas are dual intent, which means that you can have a non-immigrant and immigrant status. Once you arrive in the U.S., you can apply for a drivers license. This page was not helpful because the content: Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment, Identity Verification and the USCIS Immigrant Fee, Tips on Finding Your A-Number and DOS Case ID, Forms Processed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities, Additional Information on Filing a Reduced Fee Request, Department of State (DS) Forms and Other Non-USCIS Forms, CBPs I-94, Travel Records for U.S. I have H1B petition approve till Sep 2017 but visa issue (stamped in Passport) till Sep 2017. The visa stamping will be the last step for you to complete before you can book your trip to the US. However, although not mandatory, most US residents have health insurance anyway, simply becausethe cost of health care in the US is very high, and people with an average income cannot afford it if they have to pay out of pocket. In order to remain in the U.S., the child must change to a different nonimmigrant visa status (e.g., F-1 student, B-2 visitor). Your H1 petition approval and the H4 visa on her passport. Thanks, Actually my query is- I am trying for new employer to transfer my H1B before my VISA expires in July. Once you are settled in the first few weeks, then you can buy domestic insurance from US providers or have your employer cover it. Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist, Process, US Port of Entry questions by CBP Officer, Short Term Travel Insurance for Travel to US on H1B. If you have changed your name after marriage, you should get it changed in your passport before applying for an H4 visa. Processing time 2-7 month. I am really thankful to you. Who filed the visa application and where did you file it? I am aware of some documents below she will need to carry with her to support her admission at port of entry, Any documents required while traveling to INDIA. Respond truthfully and let them know that employer plan to files for extension soon after. All times are GMT-5. The family must file Form I-539 (and Form I-539A for each additional dependent) to apply for H-4 changes of status at the same time UH files the H-1B petition. Marriage Cert, I-797 for H-1, your EVL. Hi, I am coming to US on H1B with my wife and kid for the first time. Documents Required for I-94 Extension. Who will financially support you in the US? The approval is always tied to your employer authenticity and your employment opportunity, if all is good, you should be fine. Mario, How was you experience in using I797 copy and not original at port of entry? Evidence of the H-1B employees status (copies of Form I-94, visa, approval notice, offer/support letter. When a parent or spouse obtains their US work visa, many families find themselves dreading the idea of having to live apart from the visa holder. Which type of visa do you want approval for? Original, Photocopies of the first page, last page, and remarks pages of your current. Option 4: Visit any US Port of Entry CBP office at Airport 6. Official websites use .gov Thanks so much for listing the documents needed in conjunction with the H1B visa. I have booked one-way ticket as no airline issuing ticket beyond 10 months return at time. Prior to applying for anH4 visa, each applicant and this includes children as well must fill out the form DS 160. However, you can expect the questions to usually follow this pattern: These are just a few of the questions your interviewer may ask. If, for example, you find an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa, you can file for the type of visa in which you qualify. Your Green Card might be processed faster and you wont have to wait too long. Many wives (and husbands) of H1 visa holders travel to the US, to stay with their spouses on this visa. This isnt a necessity, but I know of instances where this question was asked, and just because there was no immediate answer, more questions were asked. Prepare for the interview by clearly defining your reasons for going and be ready to answer questions about your spouse or parent. Family members can mail the Form I-539/I-539A application packet to USCIS on their own, or file the Form I-539 online for each dependent. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. When you travel and arrive in US in flight or ship, you would go through Port of Entry Procedures , where a CBP officer would interview you and stamp your passport. There was no issue and he was able to enter . Could you please suggest on this , As i am very much tensed on this, Want to talk to you urgently. Information shared on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. It looks like below and details of each of them. Also, it is a good idea to memorize the address at which the primary visa holder stays and works (residential and employers address). Children 14 years of age or older must sign the Form I-539/I-539A. My employer on visa and i797 is same. Each family member needs to follow these steps to apply for an H-4 visa and admission to the U.S. Canadian citizens can skip this step and proceed to 2. This information does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as the sole source for making decisions that may affect an individuals legal status in the U.S. I have booked my tickets to Chicago and will have POD. These officers have the discretion to admit family members in H-4 status and may refer them to a more detailed secondary inspection. You can check US Port of Entry Experiences Tracker to know more on common questions. If your spouse is currently working in the U.S. on an H1-B visa, please submit the pay slips for the current calendar year and federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2s) for all the years in which he/she has been employed in the U.S. on the H-1B visa. I have a scanned original copy of my I 797. What is the duration for which you have been married to your current spouse? The way in which the Form I-539/I-539A is filed will differ if dependents are filing it concurrently with or after an H-1B petition is filed. My Question is 1. How long has your spouse been working for his/her current employer? Thanks for you value able advice. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) resumed premium processing today for all H-1B visa petitions subject to the Fiscal Year year (FY) 2018 cap. Stronger applications get better loan offers. What is the highest degree of your spouse? For information about your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Can you show me a document that legally states your marriage to the H-1 Visa holder? At POE, he was asked the question about visa expiry and he said the same that his employer will file for extension in a week. Individuals who already have H-4 visas that will be valid on the date they arrive in the U.S. do not need to apply for new ones and may also proceed to 2. Luckily, with an H4 visa, dependent family members can join the H1 visa holder during their stay in the US. You can open your own H4 visa bank account like any other immigrant or citizen of the US with any banking institution. Can I use my friend address as mine while filling form? Consider this as another visa interview and be confident. Submit the primary applicants last 6 months bank statements as well. Your valid passport with at least one blank page. However , I want to land and stay in SFO to visit my close relative for 1 week. The admission stamps with notations and the Form I-94 printouts are proof of admission to and legal immigration status in the U.S. Everyone needs to keep copies of their passport biodata/expiration pages, visas, admission stamps, and Form I-94 records permanently in case any of these documents are lost or stolen. Thanks in Advance Eswar. After marriage, did you go for your honeymoon? My employer cannot extend VISA due to current situation. The third part of the questions is about your spouse. My work location is Pittsburgh, I POE will be Boston. The Form I-765 is an H-4 spouses personal application for an optional benefit, so FSIS cannot assist with preparing and filing these applications. If the H-1Bs spouse is applying for H-4 status, the spouse completes the Form I-539 with their own information and sign the form in Part 5. Employer location is Texas so am worried if there will be any issues due to this. Check Sample H1B Approval Notice , read the text on it. Two Passport-size photograph. How long has your spouse been working in the US? Wedding photographs where you and your spouse are clearly seen in the pictures and DVDs. There are also no restrictions on where an H4 visa holder can work, which means that approved applicants are not limited to a specific employer and can even consider self-employment. https://www.immihelp.com/h4-visa-stamping-documents/. Currently I am in INDIA. Now you need to set up your repayment method. How long have you and your spouse been married? 1.Is there any time limit after VISA expiry to transfer to new company. (If you have previously been rejected). Based on this, the US Embassy will also grant you a visa with the same validity of your spouses or parents visa. 2. all other docs taken to H4 visa stamping interview. As H1B visa holder is entering US to work in US, they need to carry all the required documentation. Did the officer ask you why would you want to travel with just 1 month left? You need to answer the questions properly and correctly so that CBP officer can allow you to enter US. I am currently in INDIA and looking for H1b transfer. CEAC Website, Errors Info, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. But, it is not a mandatory that you need to have the original. It is not necessary to have it at the exact City or around where you work. You can check your visa status on the website of the US Embassy where you are applying by entering your application number. H-4 visa application requirements differ by embassy/consulate, so family members need to check directly with the specific U.S. embassy/consulate on the requirements for the visa application if they have any questions. You will need all your documents related to H1B visa, and supporting documents, when you meet the CBP officer at Port of Entry. New, Renewal? What will you do after your visa is completed/expired? We take a holistic underwriting approach to determine your interest rates and make sure you get the lowest rate possible. Moreover, you can study at one of the U.S.s many universities and even apply to transition to an H1B visa. (my visa is valid till 2017). Your spouses or parents most recent Form I-94, Copies of your spouses or parents I-129 form and I-797 form and notice of approval, Proof of your relationship with the H type visa holder, such as the marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificate for parents. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or Admission Record Number. As per my understanding, it is usually 6 years from the time last H1B petition was filed. My H1B visa is approved in Feb16. H4 visa holders can legally: Work Get a drivers license Open bank accounts Go to school Be eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID) Receive a social security number After the H-4 family members are admitted into the U.S., send FSIS the following documents for each dependent so we can update our records and check that each person was admitted properly at the port of entry: If family members are currently in the U.S. in a qualifying status, they can file Form I-539 and Form I-539A for each additional dependent (see the Form I-539 instructions) to apply for H-4 changes of status or extensions. Beginning on May 26, 2015, select H4 visa holders became eligible to work in the U.S. To be able to work, an H4 visa holder must first apply for and be approved for an, The applicants spouse must be in the U.S. on a valid H1B visa, The applicant must be either the beneficiary of an I-140 OR her spouse must have extended H1B status. ( the latter is the plan). My visa expired in Aug mid. Send copies of entry documents to FSIS. Soon youll have your loan offer. Mandatory Documents: H4 visa Valid I797 of the primary visa holder. After you apply for H4 Visa interview at US Consulate in your country and it is approved, you would use that H4 Visa Stamp in Passport to travel to US. Please let me know. You will have the same opportunities as a student on an F-1 visa. I have a return on 19th march. I am coming to USA on H1B with my wife first time and will be landing to LCA state and staying with friend who is also employee with my H1B Sponsor. But now, my employer has filed for h1b cap exempt for minneapolis location and it too got approved yesterday till dec 2025. Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. The spouse may begin working in the U.S. after receiving the EAD. The duration of their study depends on the H-1B employees period of stay. Note:We do not offer visa/legal advice or application services, so we do not respond to such inquiries. Please help me. Biometrics? Hi, Guys i have the same situation regarding different POE from the work location. Often requested but not always needed: a wedding album, wedding invitations, video of marriage proceedings, etc. What am I Allowed to Do in the US With an H4 Visa? All rights reserved. You should be fully prepared to answer each question, or else you may lose the chance to get the visa. As there is only 9 months time , Is there any possibility of sending me back to India at Port of Entry interview as i am travelling late ? With so much riding on the H4 visa interview, knowing the interview questions beforehand can help you prepare for this very important step. Thereafter, I transferred it to employer B but do not have the I-797 form with me, it is still with my employer B and I am stuck in India. If yes what kind of answers will be feasible.. You will be asked the reason for being there. Additional requirements include: As a result of work authorization, the H4 visa holder reaps a host of new advantages and privileges: If you are considering applying for a personal loan, just follow these 3 simple steps. If they have doubts they can access USCIS system to confirm that petitions authenticity. I m first time traveling on my h1b visa. there was a question on PoE but no problems at all. Under the automatic revalidation provision of immigration law, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the U.S. may be admitted at a U.S. port-of-entry by CBP, if they meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to the following: Nonimmigrants who departed the United States for brief travel . Passport. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. For visitors, travel, student and other international travel medical insurance. Photocopy of the primary H visa holder visa. H1B Port of Entry Documents Checklist 3. Under the automatic visa revalidation provision of immigration law, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the United States may be admitted at a U.S. port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including, but not limited to the following: Pictures of your witnesses and whoever was conducting the ceremony. Pay stubs from principal applicants current place of work and income tax return. i wana know in specific about POE chicago.is it cool? Article Contents hide 1. See Option B: H-4 in-country application procedures. I need to travel to usa as soon as possible, Can I still travel using my previously stamped visa and move to minneapolis from there and then when I return to india, I can get it stamped for the H1b cap exempt approved visa. By default they would assume employer mentioned on the visa stamp is the current employer. If this is not possible -Can I transfer my H1B after my VISA expires also with new employer from India? Optional documents to carry Proof of residence in USA of primary visa holder (ID copy or address proof). This website uses cookies, some of which are essential for the functionality of the website while others are for improving user experience and personalization. Absolutely and strictly routine. The Embassy will notify you once they process your H4 visa. Worst case, you will need to file a new LCA, get it approved and then file the H1B amendment and travel with a copy of the H1B amendment receipt notice along with the original H1B approval notice. 3. When you schedule your interview, you will get a letter of confirmation, which you need to save for later. Users of this website assume the risk that information may be outdated or inaccurate. WASHINGTON U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced an enhancement to the I-94 website today, which allows travelers to apply and pay for their I-94 online prior to arriving at a land port of entry. If you are within the US, you can submit yourH4 visa application through the USCIS. The procedure is easy and you can open it by providing your passport and local ID card. Brussels is capital city Belgium and Newark will be the first city where I land in USA, so it would be my POE. If yes, how much fund would be enough to keep in bank? An H4 visa gives spouses and children under 21 of H1B visa holders the ability to join the visa holder in the US. This is the Admit Until Date on the electronic Form I-94. Yes, it is possible to apply for cap exempt H1B petition even after your H1B visa expiration on passport. Should I carry proof of my bank balance that I have enough resources to fly back if at all it is required? After you get H1B Visa stamping done and complete all thepre-departure tasks for H1B Visa in your home country, you need to plan for your port of entry process. Do you know why you were rejected before? Then what are documents required to apply for h4 dependent visa ? Apply online for the loan amount you need. The Officer will confirm the petition on his computer and let you in. US visa interview appointment letter (emailed to you when applying for the interview), Copy of the primary visa holders passport, Photograph of the primary visa holder and applicant together, Passport-sized photograph of the applicant, Confirmation page of the online DS-160 form, A copy of the primary visa holders form I-797, A letter from the primary visa holders employer stating the nature of the relationship between the primary visa holder and employer, Pay stubs from the primary visa holders current place of work. What do you plan on doing in the United States? When family members are admitted into the U.S. as H-4 dependents, their documents must be returned and an admission date stamp is placed in their passport with the notations H-4 and a date indicating the period they are authorized to stay in the U.S. CBP will issue an electronic Form I-94 for each person to access and print at the CBPs I-94 website. What were the questions asked at POE? Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. You need to take the following steps when applying for H4 visa: You will need to fill Form DS-160 online. Hi, My husband had a similar situation last year. If you put any of these documents in luggage check-in you may be in difficult situation not able to show these documents. Copy of the principal applicants work experience letters. What if I do not have the original I-797 ? Currently, the application fee for this visa is $190. What form are you referring to? I would suggest writing either the "Port of Entry/Exit" as "MAA - ABU DHABI INTL" or the name of the US airport where you landed first. Yes, please share your experience at the POE. I have lost my I 797 while traveling to india. Fees $410. I am facing the similar situation now, Can you please help me out what did you do in your case? immihelp.com is private non-lawyer web site. What would be the questions asked at the time POE? These documents include: Most of these documents are required to prove that the marriage to the primary visa holder is valid. Keep in mind that having an H4 visa or any US visa types does not guarantee entry to the US. The CBP officer would review the applicants file in system and ask them common questions like where they are going to work, city name, company name, salary, validity of approval notice and may ask to give the documents to verify. >>Do I need return ticket? A better way to go about getting a Green Card is to change status to an H-1B visa and then apply for the Green Card. i traveled with just 1 month left on my visa and petition. The interviewers will ask what you will do in the US and see whether you intend to engage in any illegal activities. Read US Port of Entry Procedures, Common FAQs to understand the general process at port of entry and what to expect. Also note that the employer on the visa and the I-797 are different. Dont worry too much. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. And might even (in some circumstances) ask for some documents thatll verify your relationship with the visa sponsor. Is H4 port of entry should be same place here husband lives? Was your marriage registered? Also, you should know the address of the place you'll be staying when you arrive, and the name of your employer and what kind of work you'll be doing. H4 visa holders canapply for a change of status. She is traveling with two kids so it is more convinient since Chicago is a direct flight from Delhi. These are the documents your H-4 dependent (s) should carry to the visa interview: Copy of the H-1B employee's Form I-797 Approval Notice for the H-1B petition Proof of marriage and/or proof of a birth certificate Form I-797 Approval Notice for the I-539 change of status application, if applicable Valid passport IF you are not sure what your husband works, or who is their employer, obtain more information in this regard. So nearest airport is Washington DC. Hi Kaushal, The date till you can stay in US is mentioned on your I-94 which will be issued at POE. Saurabh, is it still on to show copy of I797 at POE? That decision is up to the port of entry officers and the Department of Homeland Security. If only minor children are applying for H-4 status, the eldest childs information is entered on the Form I-539 and each additional child completes a Form I-539A. By They did not ask any documents other than my passport. Can you reach me at nitin(dot)infoscian(@)gmail(dot)com. This will really help. You might have to wait for years until your Green Card is approved. Carry more recent and up to date documents. or you just took little risk and landed in US for a different employer before H1B transfer? When can you Apply for H1B Visa Stamping after Petition Approval? However, definitely bring all key paperwork with you in your carry-on luggage, for two reasons: H-4 dependents are not eligible for employment authorization. ? If there are no red flags raised by the system, and CBP officer is convinced, they will let you enter US. VISA is valid and stamped on her passport. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, the lender will contact you with regard to your application. I am planning to travel to India from April 2022-May 2022. This includes questions on how you met with your spouse and about your wedding. We have also included information on the current state of the H4 visa and some changes that may be made to the visa in the near future. I am with the same employer since 2008 and recently moved to US on Oct 2016 for the same company. Unfortunately, H4 visa holders are not supposed to work in the US and pretty much have to stay at home, not doing any work. Can you show me some of your wedding pictures? If the child is under 14, the H-1B employee signs the Form I-539/I-539A and provides their own information in Part 5. >>Can I stay beyond Sep 2017 (till Sep 2018) or I need to do some formalities once coming? There is always the standard disclaimer, that tells admission is subject to POE and in hands of CBP officer, but nothing to panic, if you have everything correct. Beginning on May 26, 2015, select H4 visa holders became eligible to work in the U.S. To be able to work, an H4 visa holder must first apply for and be approved for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Hi Jhansi, When is your travel date and from which company are u travelling. Saurabh, is it still ok to show copy of I797 at POE? I didn't need to use AP as I applied for H1 overseas although I had a valid AP doc, never used it to enter US, after I applied for my H1, it had to go through Admin Processing at . Not affiliated with any government agency. The US Port of entry process for H1B Visa holders is no different from other visa types. You must provide the following documents to apply for the H4 visa: Filled DS-160 application form. Please share your POE experience. Every interviewer is different, and there are no set of interview structures or questions. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! UH makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, about the content of this website, which includes links to external sites. 2023 Murthy Law Firm. Marriage certificate. Im planning to go to india in March to bring my wife and kid. Pay the fee and save the receipt, as you will need it later during your application procedures. If married only at the wedding registrar, you need to have these: Copy of your signed wedding registrar affidavit. whether my h1b transfer case will come under current premium processing of the following rule. I have a valid visa till 2019. Now my question is, can I travel with my original H1B at NJ and work remotely for my client in Chicago ? Is there any problem in port of entry as my visa expires in 75days. Do I need to have my POE in and around my work location or can I land at some other city as Im planning to visit family friends before heading to my work location? Also my employer on visa in passport and on I797 petition are different. POE will be on the first City where you Land in USA. Thanks a lot for the Information. Srinivas, 1. A H4 visa holder can however work if the original sponsor has filed for green card and has an EAD achieved. Before 2015, H4 visa work was prohibited. You need a job and your company should have it, thats the bottom line.. Can I travel with Valid H1B Stamp VISA till DEC-2020 and copy of I 797 (not original) to USA. Do you have any proof of this? Well, in general, it is recommended to carry the original. check out the. You dont really have to change your name after marriage, such as changing last name to have the same as the husbands last name (or in South India, removing the fathers name as the last name and adding the husbands name as the last name). My Visa is Going to expire on July . Mine is also the same issue, US consulate in hyderbad took my original I-797 document and got misplaced, now they are saying they do not have it. Did you travel from the same company which got H1B stamped for you? My H1B Visa & I797 validity is 30 Sep. 2017. What if H4 is travelling without H1 Primary document, Your email address will not be published. By applying for the H4 visa, these family members are granted temporary residence in the US during the time that the H1 visa-holding family member is working in the US. The visa on your passport does not matter for that. The consulate will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review. All posts are moderated, so it will take time for your post to appear! it would be very helpful.